We stayed here the first week of August and had a ...

We stayed here the first week of August and had a fantastic time. Addressing some of the other reviews:
- Yes, it s $1,000/night. It s NOT the Four Seasons. BUT you re going in with your eyes open on that.
- We has zero problems with staff, room service, friendliness, etc. In fact, quite the opposite. They were friendly, prompt, attentive.
- The grounds were very well kept. The geese were around but the lawns and walks seemed groomed every morning.
- We too were not able to check in until 530 (past the 4pm check-in); however, our room was spotless.

Pros:
- Master suite (king) was amazing for the four of us. Separate bedroom which opened onto a balcony overlooking the lake and sunsets. Kitchen with an electric range, full-sized fridge, microwave and dishwasher. The room also had a large round kitchen table and seating at the kitchen bar . It easily could have slept 6 with a pull-out bed from the wall and the pull-out sofa.
- Breakfast was fantastic AND free for 2 adults in the room and for all kids 5 and under. The buffet was hot and fresh and they made whatever my kids asked for, off the menu and on.
- The hotel has washers, dryers and accompanying detergent/dryer sheets for free (came in very handy).
- Friday s and Saturday s feature free homemade cookies and every nice evening, they provide s mores kits for the fire pit. Wednesday-Sunday also feature kids activities on the lawn.
- Staff was amazing. We never waited more than 5-10 minutes for anything we needed (towels, trash, bottles of water, etc.). They went out of their way to give us fresh milk for the kids and made sure they felt at home too.
- The pool and cabana bar are very nice, the water kept at the perfect temperature.
- The hotel and rooms have an amazing view of the bay and sunset and are 20-30 minutes from lots of small towns.

Cons:
- The pool was a bit small for the number of people there and it seemed to be open to guests of the hotel, cottages (and we overheard some were staying at surrounding houses). On the weekends you definitely have to get their early else you ll sit on the ground. The stated 2 hour limit is not at all enforced.
- The beach is all rocks. The tide was soft and water very nice; however, we weren t aware and would have brought more water shoes (less a problem more so than managing expectations).
- The WiFi was challenging. Despite full signal strength, it dropped a lot and was choppy. Not as much a problem for a vacation; would have been challenging to work from the room had I needed to.
- The dinner menu was limited and expensive; however they do have a kids menu if you ask. Also, the room service menu is pretty comparable to other resorts. I was impressed by the lunch.

Recommend Also Going:
- Petoskey State Park (sandy beach: $9 cash/checque only)
- Petoskey: Beards Brewing has great pizza; Back Lot Beer Garden (lots of food trucks and great beer selection)
- Charlevoix: Sunset Charters (great, 2hr affordable catamaran rides)
- Harbor Springs: Tom s Mom s Cookies, Staffords at the Pier, Paper Station Bistro
- Lavender Hill Farm
- Pond Hill Farm (great beer garden and sandwiches while the kids can run around and see farm animals)
- Burnt Marshmellow Brewing (easy to enjoy beers, wines, ciders while kids run in a field)